Running is not all about looking for the best pair of shoes. It is also about searching for the right underwear that will protect what’s in between your thighs.
Many runners do not give much importance to the type of underwear they will use to run. Wearing the proper undergarment before your running shorts can help keep you feel comfortable, happy, healthy and reduce chafing and moisture.
Some athletes tend to run without an undergarment, but this is not always applicable to all. Although wearing cotton underwear makes you feel comfortable at home, this is not made for running.
If you are looking for perfect underwear for a more comfortable and protected running experience, you are in the right place. In this post, we have listed the perfect undergarments made from high-quality materials. This underwear will fit perfectly and helps to keep moisture away.
Best Overall Running Underwear: Craft Greatness 6” Boxer
The Craft Greatness 6” Boxer is a boxer/brief that is made from elastane – a special fabric and polyester. With that in mind, expect that this underwear could provide you with outstanding durability. This is also stretchable. But the good thing about it is that it does not lose its shape no matter how much you stretch it.
This keeps the item tight and gives you enough support while running. Beyond that, the other materials used in making this undergarment provides exceptional breathability and coolness.
That being said, this underwear is ideal for active athletes because it can keep your legs sweat-free while running. It is also made from micro-polyester material, which pulls perspiration and moisture out from your body.
Its athletic and ergonomic fit makes you feel more comfortable while running. This pick is perfect for every athlete who is looking for underwear that gives a wider range of motion.
Pros
- Provides good support
- It keeps you comfortable and sweat-free the whole day
- It keeps the moisture away from your private part
- It has a cooling effect and is very lightweight
Cons
- It does not feature a fly opening
- Some may find it too tight
- COMFORT STRETCH: Made from durable, stretchy, lightweight micro polyester and elastane, these functional boxer shorts move with you
- MOISTURE WICKING: Lightweight micro polyester pulls moisture away from the body, keeping you cool and dry during your most intense workouts
- ERGONOMIC DESIGN: An ergonomic 3D design and stretchy performance fabric ensure these boxer shorts conform to your body for a perfect fit and superior freedom of movement
- PERFECT BASE LAYER: Lightweight, functional performance fabric and a 6-inch inseam allow you to move freely and focus on your workout
- PACK OF TWO – Everything’s better in twos. Double-pack of Craft Greatness 6-Inch Boxer Shorts
Best Running Underwear for the Money: Under Armour Tech 6” BoxerJock
The primary fabric used to produce this Under Armour Tech 6” BoxerJock is elastane and polyester. Thus, it offers you a moisture-wicking ability and a cooling effect.
This underwear is different from the other items on the market because it has an integrated mesh weaving you can find along the gusset and the front panel. This is an ideal and unique feature as it supports your groin area without sewing its back or side parts. It is also perfect for maintaining your range of motion as it features a four-way stretch fabrication.
Another cool thing about this underwear is that it has pre-built anti-odour technology. This is a phenomenal feature that keeps your undergarment smell good even after you sweat and throw it into your laundry basket. We highly recommend Under Armour Tech 6” BoxerJock to anyone who needs underwear that keeps its good smell even after running a long-distance trail.
Pros
- Moisture-wicking ability
- Provides comfortability and great support
- It keeps the underwear smell good
- Made from elastane and polyester
Cons
- The fabric used is quite thin
- The style variation of this underwear is quite flashy
- Insanely soft, breathable fabric & articulated mesh fly panel & gusset
- No side or back seams for ultimate comfort
- 4-way stretch construction moves better in every direction
- Material wicks sweat & dries really fast
- Under Armour’s mission is to make all athletes better through passion, design and the relentless pursuit of innovation
Best Cheap Running Underwear: New Balance Premium 6” Pocket Boxer Brief
The New Balance Premium 6” Pocket Boxer Brief features a rare innovation that is only running undergarments have: a pocket. You can find a nice pocket on the right part of this underwear. The pocket has enough space to store small items, such as a wallet or keys. Thus, we highly recommend this undergarment to anyone who tends to run with some of their cute-sized belongings.
The pocket is a safe and durable compartment to keep some of your belongings while you run since it is sewn and attached securely to the underwear. The fabric is also sturdy and long-lasting. This means that it can hold sharper or rougher objects without puncturing the fabric.
Overall, this running underwear is perfectly designed for every athlete out there. Like the aforementioned items, this one is also equipped with a moisture-locking feature and a yarn-based technology. That being said, this underwear is the best option for runners who sweat a lot after a long-distance run.
In addition to that, the product can also expel smelly odours with its NB Fresh odour management feature. Beyond keeping the underwear smell fresh throughout the day, this feature also helps in keeping it smell good right after washing.
Pros
- It gives a comfortable running experience
- Made from anti-odour fabric
- The small pocket is durably stitched to the fabric
Cons
- Some complaint about its weak waistband
- It does not feature fly opening
- 2-Pack of New Balance premium performance boxer briefs
- Supportive no-fly pouch
- No-ride-up up, 6 inch inseam
- Minimal seams and tagless to keep you comfortable throughout all your activities
Best Wind Blocking Running Underwear: Craft Active Extreme 2.0
This Craft Active Extreme 2.0 is made to keep your groin warm while trapping the air as it is made from 100 percent polyester twisted to its channel-knitted elastic fabric. The fibre made to produce this underwear is specially woven that works by preventing lavish sweating and keeps your private part fresh and cool.
This underwear also uses a special Windstopper fabric to protect your groin from wind chill. In other words, this exceptional undergarment is designed to prevent your private parts from becoming too hot or too cold at the same time.
On the other hand, you might be asking about the comfortability of this underwear. Well, this piece of undergarment does a decent job of keeping you comfortable. This is because it features a soft fabric that protects your thighs and groin. Another thing that we love about this item is that its waistband is ideally snappy and elastic. But we can’t say that its waistband is the most comfortable you can find on the market.
Pros
- Ideal moisture prevention and groin protection
- It keeps your private arts from getting too cold or hot
- Comfortable to wear in long hours
Cons
- Its waistband is not the most comfortable on the market
The Best Moisture-Wicking Running Underwear: Adidas Sport Performance Climalite (Trunk Silhouette)
The Adidas Sport Performance Climalite underwear is available in different sizes and packs. It is made from high-quality fabrics, such as spandex and polyester. Since it is made from spandex, it provides you with exceptional moisture-wicking ability. This feature also gives you an enhanced comfort while keeping things under it fresh and cool. This underwear provides one of the best works when it comes to comfortability.
The combination of spandex and polyester made this one of the few stretchiest and softest undergarments on the market. The good thing about this product is that it retains its normal shape even after several uses.
Beyond that, this undergarment also comes with a double-lined pouch feature which is stitched to the fabric protecting the groin. This works by securing your sensitive areas while increasing support.
Pros
- Soft and, at the same time, stretchy
- Wicks away sweat and moisture
- Stretchable but maintains in a good shape
- Provides your sensitive areas extra support
Cons
- The seams and extra fabric could cause occasional chafing
- It can retain a sweaty odour after use
Best Durable Running Underwear: Gore Windstopper Base Layer Boxer Shorts
As its name suggests, Gore Windstopper Base Layer Boxer Shorts offers you an outstanding windstopping ability. The manufacturer used a combination of elastane and polyester to build this underwear. These two kinds of fabrics offer you great durability and comfort. This is also stretchable, which does not restrict your full movement. We highly recommend this undergarment for runners and athletes with a high level of activity intensity.
Beyond that, this durable running underwear also comes with a soft elastic waistband that has been stitched inside. This feature also provides you with enough comfort while preventing chafing as its moves away moisture and sweat from your sensitive skin. Aside from that, this underwear also comes with minimal seams.
The groin area also features a Windstopper fabric that keeps your sensitive areas from receiving excessive wind chill and force. Beyond that, the manufacturer also included a seat padding to the underwear. Thus, we highly recommend this item if you are a fan of long-distance runs since it offers you unmatched comfortability and practicality.
Pros
- Ideal comfort offered by seat padding
- Great groin protection
- Fantastic waistband feels
- Offers outstanding comfort and durability
Cons
- Made from thin fabric
Features to Consider for Running Underwear
As we mentioned earlier, some runners tend to run without wearing an undergarment, while others prefer to run with something that protects their private parts. Depending on the intensity level of your activity, your underwear choice could significantly impact your comfort and performance while running.
The best underwear you can find on the market should feature breathable fabrics that keep your private areas comfortable and dry. You should also consider running underwear with sweat-wicking ability. Good underpants also prevents your sensitive areas from irritation and chafing.
With the number of running underwear available on the market, choosing the right one might be hard for you. Well, worry no more. The following are some of the important features that you need to take into consideration before checking out a running undergarment.
Read on to know further.
Fit and Style
Running underwear is available in different style types. This means that whether you prefer thongs, hip huggers, boyshorts, boxer briefs, or bikini briefs, you can find the right underwear style for you. When choosing a fit and style of underwear, we highly encourage you to opt for something that keeps you confident and comfortable throughout the day of wearing it.
Seams
Chafing of your sensitive areas could be the cause of bulky and thick seams with pointed edges that rub uncomfortably or irritates your skin. It would be better to choose running underwear with flatlock, seamless, or minimal seams to prevent that from happening. These types of seams keep the raw edges stitched together to keep rubbing your skin.
Materials
As mentioned, undergarments made from cotton are ideal for indoor use. We don’t encourage runners and other athletes to wear cotton-made underwear while doing their preferred activities because this fabric can hold and absorb sweat and moisture.
Instead, you should opt for running underwear with stretchy and smooth fabrics that can wick sweat away and dries quickly. These fabrics include nylon and polyester, which keeps your sensitive parts comfortable and dry.
Correct Size
If the running underwear curls up or pinches around your waist, we highly recommend you choose something quite larger than your original size. On the other hand, if you need running underwear that keeps you feel tight, go for a smaller size.
When choosing running underwear, do not forget to take a look at its size chart. Also, do not forget to check your measurement because there are times that you don’t get the right fit, especially if this is your first time buying an undergarment.
Firm Elastic
You don’t want to keep pulling your underwear throughout the day as you run on terrains. Pulling your undergarments to prevent them from falling or slipping could make you feel uncomfortable. To have a more comfortable and enjoyable running experience, look for underwear with firm elastic.
Conclusion
Choosing the right underwear might not be the top priority of many runners. If you are one of them, you need to think twice. When you have a fun run with your colleagues throughout the day, you might feel uncomfortable and sweaty, especially on your sensitive parts.
Remember, joining a long-distance run might require you to wear long-lasting and durable underwear with sweat-wicking capability. If you are still having a hard time looking for the perfect piece of underwear for your running activities, you may consider the products we have mentioned above.
All the items listed works almost the same, but some features make them unique from each other. On the other hand, since all those choices are only available online, you may want to purchase your running underwear from the nearest shop in your place. If that is the case, always remember the factors you need to consider when looking for the best running underwear.
